Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry

If you are afraid of the dentist, you're not alone! Many people report some level of anxiety about dental treatment. But you should not let fear of the dentist prevent you from getting the treatment you need and deserve. The warm and welcoming staff at the Red Hill Dental Office are ready and willing to help you feel comfortable and relaxed during your dental care.

To help make your visits to our Red Hill office more pleasant and relaxing, we offer sedation dentistry for most procedures. If you are nervous about an upcoming dental procedure, talk to your dentist about our sedation options. We offer nitrous oxide as well as oral conscious sedation options to put you at ease and make your visit to our office a positive experience.

Nitrous Oxide for Mild Sedation

Nitrous oxide is a gas that, when inhaled, creates a relaxing effect. The gas is administered through a small mask placed over your nose while you breathe normally. You may experience sleepiness, extreme relaxation, and giddiness under the effects of nitrous. Some people even get the giggles, which is why it's sometimes known as "laughing gas."

Nitrous oxide offers mild sedation, and it enters and clears from your system quickly. This means that you can drive yourself to and from your appointment with no impairment. The nitrous will take effect shortly after we place the mask, and the effects will fade within a few minutes once the mask is removed.

Oral Conscious Sedation for Moderate Sedation

For more deep sedation, we offer oral conscious sedation. Your dentist will prescribe a sedative that is taken approximately one hour before your appointment. These sedatives will leave you completely able to respond to the dentist, but you will be in a deeply relaxed state.

Oral conscious sedation offers mild to moderate sedation to combat dental anxiety. The effects of oral conscious sedation can last for several hours, and you will need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from your dental appointment. You should take the day off of work and rest quietly after your appointment until the effects of the sedative wear off.

Sedation with oral medication can help those who have trouble getting numb, are needle phobic, have a gagging reflex, dislike noises, or just want extensive work to be taken care of in one appointment. Most people say they remember little or none of the appointment and feel great the next day.

If you are in need of dental treatment that you have been avoiding due to dental fear or anxiety, contact our office today to find out if you're a good candidate for sedation dentistry.